Air Force servicemen from the Thanjavur Airbase in Tamil Nadu are on a 700km cycling expedition from their base to the UNESCO heritage town of Mamallapuram and back. This is aimed at commemorating India’s extraordinary military operation in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and the selfless sacrifice, dedication, and devotion of the Indian Armed Forces personnel in preserving our freedom.

The team of 16 cyclists were flagged off by Group Captain PA Shah, Station Commander, Air Force Station Thanjavur on 10th September and they pedalled past Kumbakonam, Chidambaram and Pondicherry to reach Mamallapuram. The journey that began on 10th September will culminate on 18th September, Saturday, at the airbase.&nbsp;

As the country celebrates 50 years since our victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the Central Government has dedicated this year to celebrate ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ (Golden Jubilee year of victory), with a series of programmes and activities to mark this occasion.

In a spectacular display of military coordination, precise planning and execution with a determined resolve to succeed, the Indian Armed Forces emerged victorious in one of the shortest yet most convincing and one-sided battles in the subcontinent from 3rd to 16th December 1971. Back then, the Indian Armed Forces captured 15,000square kilometres of Pakistani territory in 1971, which they so graciously returned the following year.

According to the Army, 1,670 men and women from Tamil Nadu, the southern Indian state, served with India’s Armed Forces during the Bangladesh-liberation war. Of the 1670, 42 soldiers made the supreme sacrifice and 37 were wounded. Among those from Tamil Nadu are 3 Vir Chakra Awardees, 1 Mahavir Chakra Awardee and 1 Sena Medal Awardee. It was a war that witnessed 3,800 Indian men and women making the supreme sacrifice besides the 9,851 personnel who were injured.

Air Force servicemen from the Thanjavur Airbase in Tamil Nadu are on a 700km cycling expedition from their base to the UNESCO heritage town of Mamallapuram and back.

Air Force servicemen from the Thanjavur Airbase in Tamil Nadu are on a 700km cycling expedition from their base to the UNESCO heritage town of Mamallapuram and back. This is aimed at commemorating India’s extraordinary military operation in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and the selfless sacrifice, dedication, and devotion of the Indian Armed Forces personnel in preserving our freedom. The team of 16 cyclists were flagged off by Group Captain PA Shah, Station Commander, Air Force Station Thanjavur on 10th September and they pedalled past Kumbakonam, Chidambaram and Pondicherry to reach Mamallapuram. The journey that began on 10th September will culminate on 18th September, Saturday, at the airbase. As the country celebrates 50 years since our victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the Central Government has dedicated this year to celebrate ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ (Golden Jubilee year of victory), with a series of programmes and activities to mark this occasion. In a spectacular display of military coordination, precise planning and execution with a determined resolve to succeed, the Indian Armed Forces emerged victorious in one of the shortest yet most convincing and one-sided battles in the subcontinent from 3rd to 16th December 1971. Back then, the Indian Armed Forces captured 15,000square kilometres of Pakistani territory in 1971, which they so graciously returned the following year. According to the Army, 1,670 men and women from Tamil Nadu, the southern Indian state, served with India’s Armed Forces during the Bangladesh-liberation war. Of the 1670, 42 soldiers made the supreme sacrifice and 37 were wounded. Among those from Tamil Nadu are 3 Vir Chakra Awardees, 1 Mahavir Chakra Awardee and 1 Sena Medal Awardee. It was a war that witnessed 3,800 Indian men and women making the supreme sacrifice besides the 9,851 personnel who were injured.

India-Pakistan war of 1971: Air warriors cycle 700km to commemorate 50 years of victory

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is conducting studies and mini-projects to enable the vertical landing of its rockets. According to senior officials, this possibility is being explored primarily about the heavy-lift rocket GSLV Mk3, which is powered by three stages of engines - solid-fuel, liquid-fuel, and cryogenic fuel. 
ISRO is aiming to recover the first two rocket stages of the GSLV Mk3 as this would imply a huge cost-advantage and savings, owing to reusability.

At present, all of ISRO’s rockets are expendable, which means that the rocket stages separate from the vehicle and fall into the sea after their stipulated burn time. Reusability involves recovering the rocket’s stages at sea or on land (vertical landing) and refurbishing, servicing, testing and qualifying them before flying again.

Dr VT Baskar, Project Director of ISRO’s GSLV Mk3, had outlined the work on reusable rocket projects during an interaction helmed by Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre. Themed ‘Human Spaceflight and Space exploration missions’, this session was part of a 3-day virtual conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and ISRO.

On the cost-cutting measures ISRO was undertaking with regards to rocket launches, Dr Baskar said that recovering the first and second stages (S200 solid-fuel rocket boosters, and L-110 liquid-fuel stage respectively) would offer a lot of cost advantage.

"Studies and Centre-level mini-projects are approved for landing experiments. We have to develop enabling technologies such as the capability to safely land a winged-body or large-body, " he said. More importantly, he added that the critical experiment to land rockets on their legs (vertical landing) would be carried out this year or in the next year (2022).

Elaborating on the major modifications that are in store for the GSLV Mk3 rocket, Dr Baskar said that the vehicle’s L110 stage would be replaced with a semi-cryogenic engine and its C25 cryogenic engine would be replaced by the C32 engine. Besides replacing the existing engines with powerful counterparts, ISRO would also be working on mini and microelectronics to reduce the avionics mass and also use high-strength composite materials for the rocket motor casing.

On the timelines for the upgrade, he said that the mini electronics and the C32 Cryo engine were immediate targets, whereas the semi-cryogenic engine and composite material rocket casing were expected in 2-3 years. 
Throwing light on ISRO’s upcoming exploratory and science missions, Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Human Spaceflight Centre, said that two missions - Xposat and Aditya L1 were likely to be launched in the second and third quarter of 2022, respectively.

"Aditya L1 is a space-based observatory that will be placed in a halo orbit near the Lagrange point which is an ideal place to observe the Universe being 1.5 million km from earth. Xposat is an X-Ray Polarimeter satellite to study the Polarization of Cosmic X-Rays. It is going to be launched by SSLV, which is a small rocket that will have a development flight by this year-end," he said. He added that Chandrayaan 3 - India’s third Lunar mission - was also getting realised.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is conducting studies and mini-projects to enable the vertical landing of its rockets. According to senior officials, this possibility is being explored primarily about the heavy-lift rocket GSLV Mk3, which is powered by three stages of engines - solid-fuel, liquid-fuel, and cryogenic fuel.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is conducting studies and mini-projects to enable the vertical landing of its rockets. According to senior officials, this possibility is being explored primarily about the heavy-lift rocket GSLV Mk3, which is powered by three stages of engines - solid-fuel, liquid-fuel, and cryogenic fuel. ISRO is aiming to recover the first two rocket stages of the GSLV Mk3 as this would imply a huge cost-advantage and savings, owing to reusability. At present, all of ISRO’s rockets are expendable, which means that the rocket stages separate from the vehicle and fall into the sea after their stipulated burn time. Reusability involves recovering the rocket’s stages at sea or on land (vertical landing) and refurbishing, servicing, testing and qualifying them before flying again. Dr VT Baskar, Project Director of ISRO’s GSLV Mk3, had outlined the work on reusable rocket projects during an interaction helmed by Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre. Themed ‘Human Spaceflight and Space exploration missions’, this session was part of a 3-day virtual conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and ISRO. On the cost-cutting measures ISRO was undertaking with regards to rocket launches, Dr Baskar said that recovering the first and second stages (S200 solid-fuel rocket boosters, and L-110 liquid-fuel stage respectively) would offer a lot of cost advantage. "Studies and Centre-level mini-projects are approved for landing experiments. We have to develop enabling technologies such as the capability to safely land a winged-body or large-body, " he said. More importantly, he added that the critical experiment to land rockets on their legs (vertical landing) would be carried out this year or in the next year (2022). Elaborating on the major modifications that are in store for the GSLV Mk3 rocket, Dr Baskar said that the vehicle’s L110 stage would be replaced with a semi-cryogenic engine and its C25 cryogenic engine would be replaced by the C32 engine. Besides replacing the existing engines with powerful counterparts, ISRO would also be working on mini and microelectronics to reduce the avionics mass and also use high-strength composite materials for the rocket motor casing. On the timelines for the upgrade, he said that the mini electronics and the C32 Cryo engine were immediate targets, whereas the semi-cryogenic engine and composite material rocket casing were expected in 2-3 years. Throwing light on ISRO’s upcoming exploratory and science missions, Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Human Spaceflight Centre, said that two missions - Xposat and Aditya L1 were likely to be launched in the second and third quarter of 2022, respectively. "Aditya L1 is a space-based observatory that will be placed in a halo orbit near the Lagrange point which is an ideal place to observe the Universe being 1.5 million km from earth. Xposat is an X-Ray Polarimeter satellite to study the Polarization of Cosmic X-Rays. It is going to be launched by SSLV, which is a small rocket that will have a development flight by this year-end," he said. He added that Chandrayaan 3 - India’s third Lunar mission - was also getting realised.

ISRO to experiment vertical landing of rockets aims to make GSLV Mk3 reusable

Indian space entrepreneurs and experts pointed out the need for India’s space industry to tap into the global market, as well as form a common platform to exhibit their capabilities. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Supplying aerospace products, services or components to the global market is a crucial focus area for India, given the country’s existing capabilities and the growing global private space industry. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Experts also urged the Government of India to act as a catalyst and ensure that government contracts and financial grants were offered to India’s private sector, to enable further private investment and growth. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This discussion was helmed by Dr S&nbsp;Somanath, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (ISRO), which is India’s lead center for development of rockets and related technologies. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This exchange of ideas under the theme of ‘Increasing Global partnership in Space sector’ was held as a part of an ISRO-CII conference. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Setting the tone for the session, Dr Somanath mentioned that ISRO had signed about 260 agreements and MoUs with 60 nations and 5 multi-national entities, he added that India’s historical long-term cooperation in space domain had been with France, Japan, Russia, USA and Germany. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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The senior ISRO scientist also touched upon how global partnerships were mutually beneficial, and how India had the potential to become a manufacturing hub for space technology, with Indian firms expanding to foreign markets and vice versa. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Speaking of some of India’s initiatives to help friendly-foreign countries, M Sanakaran, Director, UR Rao Satellite Centre, listed out India’s SAARC satellite for South Asian nations, UNNATI programme to train foreign scientists in building small satellites, among others. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On the way ahead, he said it was important to take space technology to friendly countries that didn’t have the means. He envisaged projects where the global space powers came together for the common good of humanity. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“A global constellation of satellites for data transfer or imaging on-demand, etc are viable projects and it can be done via a partnership of various companies with joint investment and each one reaping rewards in their respective sectors,” Sankaran said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Based on a study conducted by his organisation, Satsearch, Narayan Prasad, the COO highlighted that Indian industry (over 300 suppliers of ISRO) had developed tremendous manufacturing and infrastructure capabilities over the last four decades. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-capital-bans-storage-sale-use-of-firecrackers-during-diwali-over-pollution-concerns-413273" hreflang="en">Indian capital bans storage, sale, use of firecrackers during Diwali over pollution concerns</a>

Pointing out the current global commercial space market, he said that supply chains were getting globalised and companies looked at best cost to performance ratio.&nbsp; &nbsp;

He saw immense potential for Indian companies in this domain, provided, they are given the right amount of global exposure. He also spelt out the need for a common platform (similar to Europe’s ESA Star), where Indian suppliers could publicise their capabilities and offerings. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Shaju Stephen, the CMD of Aadyah aerospace pointed out that satellites (GPS data) was driving economic activity (Uber, E-com delivery services, mapping, other services) worth $5.7 trillion in the US, every year. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On India’s unique advantage, he said that less than 20 per cent of the 195 countries in the world had access to rocket and satellite technology and launch capability. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“India is sitting on a gold mine of expertise and talent, the global space economy is projected to be worth $3 trillion by 2040. We must adopt a Public-Private-Partnership model for building space infrastructure and also have space developers, who will fund such projects,” he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Drawing form how NASA funded and awarded crucial contracts to SpaceX, he said that ISRO had to be a catalyst for Indian government contracts and grants to go to the home-grown private sector. &nbsp;

Nitish Singh, Co-founder, Astrogate labs, spoke on the need to examine the possibility of international cooperation for critical technologies that are required to fulfill exploratory missions. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He also specified the need for a platform, in order to unite space agencies that have a certain requirement and also the service provider or company who can provide that technology, component or service.

Indian space entrepreneurs and experts pointed out the need for India’s space industry to tap into the global market, as well as form a common platform to exhibit their capabilities.

Indian space entrepreneurs and experts pointed out the need for India’s space industry to tap into the global market, as well as form a common platform to exhibit their capabilities. Supplying aerospace products, services or components to the global market is a crucial focus area for India, given the country’s existing capabilities and the growing global private space industry. Experts also urged the Government of India to act as a catalyst and ensure that government contracts and financial grants were offered to India’s private sector, to enable further private investment and growth. This discussion was helmed by Dr S Somanath, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (ISRO), which is India’s lead center for development of rockets and related technologies. This exchange of ideas under the theme of ‘Increasing Global partnership in Space sector’ was held as a part of an ISRO-CII conference. Setting the tone for the session, Dr Somanath mentioned that ISRO had signed about 260 agreements and MoUs with 60 nations and 5 multi-national entities, he added that India’s historical long-term cooperation in space domain had been with France, Japan, Russia, USA and Germany. Watch: SpaceX’s to send four people into space × The senior ISRO scientist also touched upon how global partnerships were mutually beneficial, and how India had the potential to become a manufacturing hub for space technology, with Indian firms expanding to foreign markets and vice versa. Speaking of some of India’s initiatives to help friendly-foreign countries, M Sanakaran, Director, UR Rao Satellite Centre, listed out India’s SAARC satellite for South Asian nations, UNNATI programme to train foreign scientists in building small satellites, among others. On the way ahead, he said it was important to take space technology to friendly countries that didn’t have the means. He envisaged projects where the global space powers came together for the common good of humanity. “A global constellation of satellites for data transfer or imaging on-demand, etc are viable projects and it can be done via a partnership of various companies with joint investment and each one reaping rewards in their respective sectors,” Sankaran said. Based on a study conducted by his organisation, Satsearch, Narayan Prasad, the COO highlighted that Indian industry (over 300 suppliers of ISRO) had developed tremendous manufacturing and infrastructure capabilities over the last four decades. Also Read: Indian capital bans storage, sale, use of firecrackers during Diwali over pollution concerns Pointing out the current global commercial space market, he said that supply chains were getting globalised and companies looked at best cost to performance ratio. He saw immense potential for Indian companies in this domain, provided, they are given the right amount of global exposure. He also spelt out the need for a common platform (similar to Europe’s ESA Star), where Indian suppliers could publicise their capabilities and offerings. Shaju Stephen, the CMD of Aadyah aerospace pointed out that satellites (GPS data) was driving economic activity (Uber, E-com delivery services, mapping, other services) worth $5.7 trillion in the US, every year. On India’s unique advantage, he said that less than 20 per cent of the 195 countries in the world had access to rocket and satellite technology and launch capability. “India is sitting on a gold mine of expertise and talent, the global space economy is projected to be worth $3 trillion by 2040. We must adopt a Public-Private-Partnership model for building space infrastructure and also have space developers, who will fund such projects,” he said. Drawing form how NASA funded and awarded crucial contracts to SpaceX, he said that ISRO had to be a catalyst for Indian government contracts and grants to go to the home-grown private sector. Nitish Singh, Co-founder, Astrogate labs, spoke on the need to examine the possibility of international cooperation for critical technologies that are required to fulfill exploratory missions. He also specified the need for a platform, in order to unite space agencies that have a certain requirement and also the service provider or company who can provide that technology, component or service.

Indian space industry must supply to global market, gain greater exposure, say experts

To attain total self-reliance in the launch of heavy satellites (weighing above 4 tonnes) and to meet future demands, the Indian Space Research Organization is working on a fleet of five new rockets. According to a senior official, the five Heavy-lift Launch Vehicles (HLV) are in their project report stage.&nbsp;

In terms of design and appearance, this new fleet of rockets would be quite similar to the existing SSLV, PSLV and GSLV and GSLV Mk3 rockets, but they would be powered by even more capable, powerful and technologically advanced engines. Presently, India pays and utilises the services of Ariane-5, a foreign rocket, to launch satellites that weigh over 4 tonnes.

Speaking at a virtual event organised by ISRO and CII, N Sudheer Kumar, Director, Capacity Building Programme Office, ISRO, revealed that variants of this new fleet of heavy-lift rockets would be able to place a payload weighing anywhere between 4.9 tonnes and over 16 tonnes in the tonne synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This is an enormous improvement over the current maximum lift capability of 4 tons that the GSLV Mk3 rocket has performed to GTO.&nbsp;

GTO is an intermediary orbit (180km at its closest point to the Earth and 36,000km at its farthest point from the Earth) into which heavy satellites are launched by rockets. After being placed in GTO, the satellites use their onboard propulsion to reach a circular orbit 36,000 km above the earth (it is at the same distance from the earth at any given point of time). Being in the 36,000km circular orbit (also known as Geostationary or GSO orbit) allows for communication and monitoring of a large portion of the Earth. three satellites in GSO orbit are capable of covering nearly the entire globe.

According to Kumar, the work to upgrade the lift capability of GSLV Mk3 to 7.5 tonnes to GTO, is on the verge of being concluded. This major upgrade to India’s rocket is being made possible owing to the development of two kinds of rocket engines: a semi-cryogenic engine that burns a special variant of kerosene (dubbed ISROsene) and liquid oxygen; and a cryogenic engine that burns a mixture of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The said semi-cryogenic engine stage is dubbed as the SC120, and the upgraded cryogenic engine stage is dubbed as the C32. As per ISRO’s naming convention for rocket stages, the letter (s) refers to the type of engine fuel-Solid (S), Liquid (L), Semi-cryogenic (SC) and Cryogenic (C) and the accompanying number refers to the mass (in tonnes) of propellant carried. Simply put, a rocket is a combination of multiple engines (stages) that are vertically stacked.&nbsp;

"Soon the stage will be inducted into the rocket, then we will not depend on foreign sources for the launch of heavy communication satellites (weighing over 4 or 5 tonnes)," Kumar said. Regarding ISRO’s ongoing projects, he outlined that work was underway on the full-scale model of the Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD), besides work to scale up the proto-model of the air-breathing engine. For ISRO, these are crucial technologies to master to develop a fully reusable space vehicle dubbed the "TSTO," or Two Stage to Orbit.&nbsp;

The Director of ISRO’s CBPO also shared the configuration of the fleet of five heavy-lift rockets that were in their project report stage. The configurations refer to new and more powerful rocket stages-SC400 semi-cryogenic stage, the C27 cryogenic stage, and S250 solid rocket booster. Simply put, depending on the type of mission, payload to be lifted and rocket required, different variants of engines would be stacked vertically to run a relay race to space. Each stage would detach from the rocket after propelling the rocket to a certain altitude and speed, then the next engine would take over. This process goes on until the satellite (payload) reaches its final orbital destination.

In terms of materials, ISRO is said to be working on developing carbon-carbon composites, ceramic matrix composite for reusable vehicles, metal-foams for crash landing interplanetary probes, besides crucial components such as solar panels, fibre optics Atomic clocks, deployable antennas, lithium-ion batteries, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) Devices.

To attain total self-reliance in the launch of heavy satellites (weighing above 4 tonnes) and to meet future demands, the Indian Space Research Organization is working on a fleet of five new rockets.

To attain total self-reliance in the launch of heavy satellites (weighing above 4 tonnes) and to meet future demands, the Indian Space Research Organization is working on a fleet of five new rockets. According to a senior official, the five Heavy-lift Launch Vehicles (HLV) are in their project report stage. In terms of design and appearance, this new fleet of rockets would be quite similar to the existing SSLV, PSLV and GSLV and GSLV Mk3 rockets, but they would be powered by even more capable, powerful and technologically advanced engines. Presently, India pays and utilises the services of Ariane-5, a foreign rocket, to launch satellites that weigh over 4 tonnes. Speaking at a virtual event organised by ISRO and CII, N Sudheer Kumar, Director, Capacity Building Programme Office, ISRO, revealed that variants of this new fleet of heavy-lift rockets would be able to place a payload weighing anywhere between 4.9 tonnes and over 16 tonnes in the tonne synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This is an enormous improvement over the current maximum lift capability of 4 tons that the GSLV Mk3 rocket has performed to GTO. GTO is an intermediary orbit (180km at its closest point to the Earth and 36,000km at its farthest point from the Earth) into which heavy satellites are launched by rockets. After being placed in GTO, the satellites use their onboard propulsion to reach a circular orbit 36,000 km above the earth (it is at the same distance from the earth at any given point of time). Being in the 36,000km circular orbit (also known as Geostationary or GSO orbit) allows for communication and monitoring of a large portion of the Earth. three satellites in GSO orbit are capable of covering nearly the entire globe. According to Kumar, the work to upgrade the lift capability of GSLV Mk3 to 7.5 tonnes to GTO, is on the verge of being concluded. This major upgrade to India’s rocket is being made possible owing to the development of two kinds of rocket engines: a semi-cryogenic engine that burns a special variant of kerosene (dubbed ISROsene) and liquid oxygen; and a cryogenic engine that burns a mixture of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The said semi-cryogenic engine stage is dubbed as the SC120, and the upgraded cryogenic engine stage is dubbed as the C32. As per ISRO’s naming convention for rocket stages, the letter (s) refers to the type of engine fuel-Solid (S), Liquid (L), Semi-cryogenic (SC) and Cryogenic (C) and the accompanying number refers to the mass (in tonnes) of propellant carried. Simply put, a rocket is a combination of multiple engines (stages) that are vertically stacked. "Soon the stage will be inducted into the rocket, then we will not depend on foreign sources for the launch of heavy communication satellites (weighing over 4 or 5 tonnes)," Kumar said. Regarding ISRO’s ongoing projects, he outlined that work was underway on the full-scale model of the Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD), besides work to scale up the proto-model of the air-breathing engine. For ISRO, these are crucial technologies to master to develop a fully reusable space vehicle dubbed the "TSTO," or Two Stage to Orbit. The Director of ISRO’s CBPO also shared the configuration of the fleet of five heavy-lift rockets that were in their project report stage. The configurations refer to new and more powerful rocket stages-SC400 semi-cryogenic stage, the C27 cryogenic stage, and S250 solid rocket booster. Simply put, depending on the type of mission, payload to be lifted and rocket required, different variants of engines would be stacked vertically to run a relay race to space. Each stage would detach from the rocket after propelling the rocket to a certain altitude and speed, then the next engine would take over. This process goes on until the satellite (payload) reaches its final orbital destination. In terms of materials, ISRO is said to be working on developing carbon-carbon composites, ceramic matrix composite for reusable vehicles, metal-foams for crash landing interplanetary probes, besides crucial components such as solar panels, fibre optics Atomic clocks, deployable antennas, lithium-ion batteries, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) Devices.

ISRO’s new series of heavy-lift rockets to carry between 5-16 tonnes to GTO

Top officials of the Australian and Dutch Space agencies expressed interest in collaborating and working closely with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-private-sector-ready-to-support-country-in-achieving-space-goals-isro-chief-dr-k-sivan-412807">Indian Space Research Organization</a> (ISRO).&nbsp;

While the two countries have had several decades of experience in the field of space technology, it was only over the last decade that they formally established their respective Space Agencies. It is noteworthy that, unlike India, Australia and Netherlands don’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions.&nbsp;

The representatives of the foreign space agencies spoke at the inaugural session on "Building NewSpace in India" at the international space conference.

According to Mr. Anthony Murfett, deputy head, Australian Space Agency(ASA), space would be a key part of Australia’s focus areas in the years to come. The plan involves startups and businesses and their solutions to transform agriculture, disaster management among other areas. The ASA, which was established nearly three years ago is looking for domestic and international collaborations for the same.&nbsp;

“The Australian government is proud to be supporting the Gaganyaan mission, by tracking through Australia’s territory on the Coco’s (Keeling) islands. It shows that Australia can be a trusted partner - we were a partner to NASA during the Apollo missions, we were a partner to Japan during Hayabusa 1&amp;2 and now we’re working with India on Gaganyaan mission” said Murfett.&nbsp;

ISRO would also be launching two satellites that are meant to provide communications, tracking support for its human-carrying spacecraft known as IDRSS(Indian Data Relay System Satellites).

The satellites would be placed nearly 36,000km above the equator(where it would remain in sync with Earth’s rotation or geostationary orbit) and will offer near-total tracking and communication with India’s space assets.

In addition to space-based tracking, there would be ground-based and floating platforms(ships) that would be used to track Gaganyaan as it orbits the Earth.

Citing immense opportunities for industries to collaborate, the Australian Space official said that ASA and ISRO had recently updated their Memorandum of Understanding to underscore the stronger bilateral relationship.

“Australia is looking to invest and also be a partner and facilitator of business to transform the economy and also through regulation. We are establishing facilities to test space hardware in Australia, the&nbsp;official added.&nbsp;

The Netherlands Space Office(NSO), the Dutch Space agency also expressed interest in greater collaboration with ISRO.

Representing the agency, Deputy Director, Mr Nico van Putten said that though NSO was formally established in 2009, it was among the founding members of the European Space Agency, over four decades ago.

“Between the Netherlands and India air quality monitoring is an area of cooperation and there is massive data collection by the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Sentinel-5P mission, that was launched in 2017. More than 50% of the Netherlands is below sea-level&nbsp;so we are interested in water and agriculture and it is one of our specifics” Van Putten said.

Putten also&nbsp;shared images of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) monitoring over India that showcased the difference&nbsp;in pollution levels between pre-pandemic and pandemic lockdown last year.

Top officials of the Australian and Dutch Space agencies expressed interest in collaborating and working closely with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

Top officials of the Australian and Dutch Space agencies expressed interest in collaborating and working closely with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). While the two countries have had several decades of experience in the field of space technology, it was only over the last decade that they formally established their respective Space Agencies. It is noteworthy that, unlike India, Australia and Netherlands don’t yet have a standalone, independent space-faring programme and that they work with other agencies and countries to jointly perform missions. The representatives of the foreign space agencies spoke at the inaugural session on "Building NewSpace in India" at the international space conference. According to Mr. Anthony Murfett, deputy head, Australian Space Agency(ASA), space would be a key part of Australia’s focus areas in the years to come. The plan involves startups and businesses and their solutions to transform agriculture, disaster management among other areas. The ASA, which was established nearly three years ago is looking for domestic and international collaborations for the same. “The Australian government is proud to be supporting the Gaganyaan mission, by tracking through Australia’s territory on the Coco’s (Keeling) islands. It shows that Australia can be a trusted partner - we were a partner to NASA during the Apollo missions, we were a partner to Japan during Hayabusa 1&2 and now we’re working with India on Gaganyaan mission” said Murfett. ISRO would also be launching two satellites that are meant to provide communications, tracking support for its human-carrying spacecraft known as IDRSS(Indian Data Relay System Satellites). The satellites would be placed nearly 36,000km above the equator(where it would remain in sync with Earth’s rotation or geostationary orbit) and will offer near-total tracking and communication with India’s space assets. In addition to space-based tracking, there would be ground-based and floating platforms(ships) that would be used to track Gaganyaan as it orbits the Earth. Citing immense opportunities for industries to collaborate, the Australian Space official said that ASA and ISRO had recently updated their Memorandum of Understanding to underscore the stronger bilateral relationship. “Australia is looking to invest and also be a partner and facilitator of business to transform the economy and also through regulation. We are establishing facilities to test space hardware in Australia, the official added. The Netherlands Space Office(NSO), the Dutch Space agency also expressed interest in greater collaboration with ISRO. Representing the agency, Deputy Director, Mr Nico van Putten said that though NSO was formally established in 2009, it was among the founding members of the European Space Agency, over four decades ago. “Between the Netherlands and India air quality monitoring is an area of cooperation and there is massive data collection by the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Sentinel-5P mission, that was launched in 2017. More than 50% of the Netherlands is below sea-level so we are interested in water and agriculture and it is one of our specifics” Van Putten said. Putten also shared images of NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) monitoring over India that showcased the difference in pollution levels between pre-pandemic and pandemic lockdown last year.

Australia, Netherlands keen to collaborate with ISRO

Dr K Sivan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said that the recent successful spaceflight of billionaire entrepreneurs from the US has made commercial space travel a reality. Referring to the reforms that were introduced in the Indian space sector in 2020, he said that space was no longer confined to Indian government activities alone.

He emphasised that India’s private sector is playing a role in everything ranging from building rockets, satellites, owning satellites, offering space-based services and mission services. He also encouraged India’s entrepreneurs, saying that a new FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) policy was in the works for the space domain.

Addressing the inaugural session of the ‘Building NewSpace in India’ International Space Conference and Exhibition, Dr Sivan, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, spoke about the plethora of opportunities that lay in store for India’s space sector.

"In terms of ground-based services, there is mobile broadband and connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Small satellites have proven significantly useful for both communication and earth observation purposes, and the demand for high-throughput (generally more than 100Gb/s data transfer) satellites is ever-growing. "

Referring to the larger national goals such as sustainable development, digital economy, he emphasised that space technology and its applications would play a major role. He expressed confidence that Indian private industry was ready to support the country in achieving its space goals and urged the different stakeholders, public and private, to work in a synergic manner.&nbsp;

On the enthusiastic participation of private players after the 2020 Space reforms, Dr Sivan said that over 40 applications and proposals from private players were under various stages of consideration. Of this, a major chunk of the applications came in from start-ups and newly incorporated firms. A case in point is the recent MoU that ISRO and the Indian startup Skyroot Aerospace signed for testing the latter’s rocket hardware at the former’s facilities.

"The Space FDI Policy is getting revised and it will open up a huge avenue of opportunities. Foreign companies can tie up with Indian ones and this will enable the combine to be competitive with global space players. There is a lot of interest from abroad in collaboration, " Dr Sivan said.

On the future role of ISRO, he said the state-run agency would concentrate its efforts and resources on R&amp;D and space science missions, to reduce the technology gap. He went on to say that ISRO's facilities and expertise would be used to help the economy by combining the efforts of the government and the private sector.

Dr K Sivan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said that the recent successful spaceflight of billionaire entrepreneurs from the US has made commercial space travel a reality.

Dr K Sivan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said that the recent successful spaceflight of billionaire entrepreneurs from the US has made commercial space travel a reality. Referring to the reforms that were introduced in the Indian space sector in 2020, he said that space was no longer confined to Indian government activities alone. He emphasised that India’s private sector is playing a role in everything ranging from building rockets, satellites, owning satellites, offering space-based services and mission services. He also encouraged India’s entrepreneurs, saying that a new FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) policy was in the works for the space domain. Addressing the inaugural session of the ‘Building NewSpace in India’ International Space Conference and Exhibition, Dr Sivan, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, spoke about the plethora of opportunities that lay in store for India’s space sector. "In terms of ground-based services, there is mobile broadband and connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Small satellites have proven significantly useful for both communication and earth observation purposes, and the demand for high-throughput (generally more than 100Gb/s data transfer) satellites is ever-growing. " Referring to the larger national goals such as sustainable development, digital economy, he emphasised that space technology and its applications would play a major role. He expressed confidence that Indian private industry was ready to support the country in achieving its space goals and urged the different stakeholders, public and private, to work in a synergic manner. On the enthusiastic participation of private players after the 2020 Space reforms, Dr Sivan said that over 40 applications and proposals from private players were under various stages of consideration. Of this, a major chunk of the applications came in from start-ups and newly incorporated firms. A case in point is the recent MoU that ISRO and the Indian startup Skyroot Aerospace signed for testing the latter’s rocket hardware at the former’s facilities. "The Space FDI Policy is getting revised and it will open up a huge avenue of opportunities. Foreign companies can tie up with Indian ones and this will enable the combine to be competitive with global space players. There is a lot of interest from abroad in collaboration, " Dr Sivan said. On the future role of ISRO, he said the state-run agency would concentrate its efforts and resources on R&D and space science missions, to reduce the technology gap. He went on to say that ISRO's facilities and expertise would be used to help the economy by combining the efforts of the government and the private sector.

Indian private sector ready to support country in achieving space-goals: ISRO chief  Dr K Sivan

Top officials of India’s space agency and those from the space sector have said that ISRO’s PSLV rocket will soon be made in an end-to-end manner by Indian industry and that other Indian rockets will also follow the same path.

However, a stark revelation was how India’s share of the $447bn space economy is only around 2 per cent. With India having brought in reforms in the space sector in 2020, the contribution and participation of the private sector are expected to increase.&nbsp;

Speaking at the inaugural session of the ‘Building NewSpace in India’ International Space Conference and Exhibition, Dr D Radhakrishnan, CMD, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), pointed out how the government-owned NSIL would take up space missions on a demand model, as opposed to the earlier supply model. He also added that the commercial viability of every mission would be established beforehand. In a major boost for the Indian private sector, he said that India’s workhorse rocket, the PSLV, would be realised (fabricated) end-to-end by Indian industry and that other rockets were also to be fabricated fully by industry.&nbsp;

R Umamaheshwaran, Scientific Secretary, ISRO and In-charge (IN-Space Activities), said that despite the pandemic, 2020 was a landmark year for the Indian space sector owing to the reforms. "Our Satcom (satellite communication) and remote-sensing policy are in their final stages, the draft policy for space transportation is also in the works" he added.&nbsp;

Hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry with the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) and their affiliates, the three-day virtual Conference will have 8 sessions with over 65 speakers from ISRO, industry and Global Space Agencies focused on specific themes – addressing opportunities for industries, Trends in Satcom, Business models, start-up growth drivers etc. The Conference also has a session dedicated to Startups.

Expressing optimism on the scope for private industry in India’s space activities, Mr Rakesh Sasibhushan, Chairman, CII National Committee on Space; and CMD, Antrix Corporation pointed out that, despite the pandemic disruption, the global space sector grew by over 4% to reach $447bn in the year 2020. He added that despite India’s wide-ranging capabilities and activities in space, the country had only captured less than 2% of this huge market. However, he expressed hope regarding the coming times when the private sector could participate in toto in space activities and help the country reap the benefits.

Top officials of India’s space agency and those from the space sector have said that ISRO’s PSLV rocket will soon be made in an end-to-end manner by Indian industry and that other Indian rockets will also follow the same path.

Top officials of India’s space agency and those from the space sector have said that ISRO’s PSLV rocket will soon be made in an end-to-end manner by Indian industry and that other Indian rockets will also follow the same path. However, a stark revelation was how India’s share of the $447bn space economy is only around 2 per cent. With India having brought in reforms in the space sector in 2020, the contribution and participation of the private sector are expected to increase. Speaking at the inaugural session of the ‘Building NewSpace in India’ International Space Conference and Exhibition, Dr D Radhakrishnan, CMD, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), pointed out how the government-owned NSIL would take up space missions on a demand model, as opposed to the earlier supply model. He also added that the commercial viability of every mission would be established beforehand. In a major boost for the Indian private sector, he said that India’s workhorse rocket, the PSLV, would be realised (fabricated) end-to-end by Indian industry and that other rockets were also to be fabricated fully by industry. R Umamaheshwaran, Scientific Secretary, ISRO and In-charge (IN-Space Activities), said that despite the pandemic, 2020 was a landmark year for the Indian space sector owing to the reforms. "Our Satcom (satellite communication) and remote-sensing policy are in their final stages, the draft policy for space transportation is also in the works" he added. Hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry with the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) and their affiliates, the three-day virtual Conference will have 8 sessions with over 65 speakers from ISRO, industry and Global Space Agencies focused on specific themes – addressing opportunities for industries, Trends in Satcom, Business models, start-up growth drivers etc. The Conference also has a session dedicated to Startups. Expressing optimism on the scope for private industry in India’s space activities, Mr Rakesh Sasibhushan, Chairman, CII National Committee on Space; and CMD, Antrix Corporation pointed out that, despite the pandemic disruption, the global space sector grew by over 4% to reach $447bn in the year 2020. He added that despite India’s wide-ranging capabilities and activities in space, the country had only captured less than 2% of this huge market. However, he expressed hope regarding the coming times when the private sector could participate in toto in space activities and help the country reap the benefits.

Global Space economy $447 billion, India’s share less than 2%, Pvt sector can drive growth, say Officials

ICGS Vigraha, the latest Offshore Patrol Vessel to be commissioned by the Indian Coast Guard has reached its homeport of Vishakapatnam, in the Eastern State of Andhra Pradesh and has been accorded a grand welcome.

The 98-meter-long Vigraha, was commissioned on&nbsp;August 28 in Chennai, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Built at a private shipyard near Chennai, the OPV has been designed and fitted with advanced technology, radar navigation and communication equipment, sensor and machinery capable of operating in tropical sea conditions.

The ship is also designed to carry one twin-engine helicopter and four high-speed boats including two inflatable boats for boarding operation, Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, and Maritime Patrol.

While the ship has a top speed of 23 knots (almost 43kmph), it also has an endurance of 5,000 nautical miles at an economical speed. This sustenance and reach, coupled with the latest and modern equipment and system, provides her the capability to perform the role of a command platform.

The ship is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to contain oil spills at sea. The ship can attain a maximum speed of 23 knots and has an endurance of 5,000 nautical miles at an economical speed.

This sustenance and reach, coupled with the latest and modern equipment and system, provides her the capability to perform the role of a command platform.

Commanded by Commandant PN Anoop, INS Vigraha joins the Coast Guard’s Eastern Region fleet and adds more heft to the capability on the Eastern seaboard.

The ship shall be deployed in the Area of Responsibility of Eastern Region and on her maiden entry to base port Visakhapatnam, a welcome ceremony was organised, which was graced by Deputy Inspector General Yoginder Dhaka, District Commander, Andhra Pradesh. ICGS Vigraha has a complement of 12 Officers and 90 Enrolled personnel.

&nbsp;

ICGS Vigraha, the latest Offshore Patrol Vessel to be commissioned by the Indian Coast Guard has reached its homeport of Vishakapatnam, in the Eastern State of Andhra Pradesh and has been accorded a grand welcome.

ICGS Vigraha, the latest Offshore Patrol Vessel to be commissioned by the Indian Coast Guard has reached its homeport of Vishakapatnam, in the Eastern State of Andhra Pradesh and has been accorded a grand welcome. The 98-meter-long Vigraha, was commissioned on August 28 in Chennai, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Built at a private shipyard near Chennai, the OPV has been designed and fitted with advanced technology, radar navigation and communication equipment, sensor and machinery capable of operating in tropical sea conditions. The ship is also designed to carry one twin-engine helicopter and four high-speed boats including two inflatable boats for boarding operation, Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, and Maritime Patrol. While the ship has a top speed of 23 knots (almost 43kmph), it also has an endurance of 5,000 nautical miles at an economical speed. This sustenance and reach, coupled with the latest and modern equipment and system, provides her the capability to perform the role of a command platform. The ship is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to contain oil spills at sea. The ship can attain a maximum speed of 23 knots and has an endurance of 5,000 nautical miles at an economical speed. This sustenance and reach, coupled with the latest and modern equipment and system, provides her the capability to perform the role of a command platform. Commanded by Commandant PN Anoop, INS Vigraha joins the Coast Guard’s Eastern Region fleet and adds more heft to the capability on the Eastern seaboard. The ship shall be deployed in the Area of Responsibility of Eastern Region and on her maiden entry to base port Visakhapatnam, a welcome ceremony was organised, which was graced by Deputy Inspector General Yoginder Dhaka, District Commander, Andhra Pradesh. ICGS Vigraha has a complement of 12 Officers and 90 Enrolled personnel.

Indian Coast Guard’s latest vessel Vigraha reaches base port Vishakapatnam

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has been ranked the top Institute in India, in both 'Overall' and 'Engineering' categories in National Institutional Rankings Framework (NIRF) 2021.

The ranking results of educational institutions for this year were launched by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

In place since 2015, NIRF rates educational institutions based on parameters such as&nbsp;teaching, learning and resources, research and professional practices, graduation outcome, outreach and inclusivity and perception. This year, nearly 6,000 institutions had taken part to be evaluated in the rankings.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-independence-these-gems-of-indian-higher-education-are-envy-of-the-world-404595" hreflang="en">India Independence: These gems of Indian higher education are envy of the world</a>

This is the third consecutive year for IIT-M to win the award in the 'Overall' category, whereas it is the sixth year in a row in the 'Engineering' category. In the newly-launched category of 'Research Institutions', IIT Madras was ranked second in the country, with the top spot going to Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.

According to the minister, rankings were inevitable and must, as the country had 50,000 educational institutions and 50 million higher education students. He urged other Indian institutes to come forward and take part in the rankings from next time.&nbsp;

IIT Madras had been recognised as an 'Institution of Eminence' (IoE) in September 2019, by the Government of India. As an IoE, IIT Madras has set certain targets for next five, 10 and 15 years in Academics, Research and Development, and Internationalisation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/teachers-day-more-working-hours-lack-of-privacy-and-tech-ghost-how-teachers-coped-with-the-new-normal-of-virtual-teaching-410883">More working hours, lack of privacy and tech ghost: How teachers coped with the 'new normal' of virtual teaching</a>

With IoE funding, IIT Madras is creating 'Centres of Excellence' to encourage inter-disciplinary research that can lead to path-breaking discoveries and innovations.&nbsp;

In February 2021, the Satellite Campus of IIT Madras was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India. Coming up at a cost of one million USD (INR 1 crore) in the first phase, the upcoming 'Discovery Campus', located at Thaiyur near Chennai, will accommodate the growing research infrastructure requirements of the institute.

Recently, the institute also launched a unique online B.Sc. degree in Programming and Data Science, which removes all barriers of age, discipline or geographic location and provides access to a world-class curriculum in data science.&nbsp;

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has been ranked the top Institute in India, in both 'Overall' and 'Engineering' categories in National Institutional Rankings Framework (NIRF) 2021.

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has been ranked the top Institute in India, in both 'Overall' and 'Engineering' categories in National Institutional Rankings Framework (NIRF) 2021. The ranking results of educational institutions for this year were launched by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In place since 2015, NIRF rates educational institutions based on parameters such as teaching, learning and resources, research and professional practices, graduation outcome, outreach and inclusivity and perception. This year, nearly 6,000 institutions had taken part to be evaluated in the rankings. Also read | India Independence: These gems of Indian higher education are envy of the world This is the third consecutive year for IIT-M to win the award in the 'Overall' category, whereas it is the sixth year in a row in the 'Engineering' category. In the newly-launched category of 'Research Institutions', IIT Madras was ranked second in the country, with the top spot going to Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. According to the minister, rankings were inevitable and must, as the country had 50,000 educational institutions and 50 million higher education students. He urged other Indian institutes to come forward and take part in the rankings from next time. IIT Madras had been recognised as an 'Institution of Eminence' (IoE) in September 2019, by the Government of India. As an IoE, IIT Madras has set certain targets for next five, 10 and 15 years in Academics, Research and Development, and Internationalisation. Also read | More working hours, lack of privacy and tech ghost: How teachers coped with the 'new normal' of virtual teaching With IoE funding, IIT Madras is creating 'Centres of Excellence' to encourage inter-disciplinary research that can lead to path-breaking discoveries and innovations. In February 2021, the Satellite Campus of IIT Madras was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India. Coming up at a cost of one million USD (INR 1 crore) in the first phase, the upcoming 'Discovery Campus', located at Thaiyur near Chennai, will accommodate the growing research infrastructure requirements of the institute. Recently, the institute also launched a unique online B.Sc. degree in Programming and Data Science, which removes all barriers of age, discipline or geographic location and provides access to a world-class curriculum in data science.

IIT Madras tops NIRF’s overall ranking three years in a row

&nbsp;An Indian&nbsp;merchant shipping crew onboard MV Tampen vessel was attacked by pirates off a port in Africa’s western coast in which two members suffered injuries while a third one has been kidnapped, family members of the distressed crew members have claimed.

The vessel, which was headed from Cameroon to Dubai, had to drop the anchor in the port limits of Owendo Anchorage, Gabon, owing to an issue with the propulsion system.

It is learnt that in the early hours of Sunday (around 12.30 am), some pirates boarded the vessel and attacked the Indian crew members.&nbsp;During the confrontation, the ship’s chief officer and cook suffered multiple bullet wounds after the pirates fired at them using AK-47, the family members claimed.

However, there is no information regarding the whereabouts of a second engineer, who is said to have been kidnapped by the pirates. It is said that the two injured crew have been taken to a hospital in Gabon for treatment and surgery.&nbsp;

The families of the crew alleged that the persons on board are uncertain about their safety and security as the shipping company (Proactive Ship Management Pvt Ltd) is not keen on ensuring the safety of the crew members.

When contacted, a representative of the shipping company told Zee News, “Our priority is to look after the crew.”

The representative also said that a statement would be issued later.&nbsp;

(This is a developing story and will be updated)

An Indian merchant shipping crew onboard MV Tampen vessel was attacked by pirates off a port in Africa’s western coast in which two members suffered injuries while a third one has been kidnapped, family members of the distressed crew members have claimed.

An Indian merchant shipping crew onboard MV Tampen vessel was attacked by pirates off a port in Africa’s western coast in which two members suffered injuries while a third one has been kidnapped, family members of the distressed crew members have claimed. The vessel, which was headed from Cameroon to Dubai, had to drop the anchor in the port limits of Owendo Anchorage, Gabon, owing to an issue with the propulsion system. It is learnt that in the early hours of Sunday (around 12.30 am), some pirates boarded the vessel and attacked the Indian crew members. During the confrontation, the ship’s chief officer and cook suffered multiple bullet wounds after the pirates fired at them using AK-47, the family members claimed. However, there is no information regarding the whereabouts of a second engineer, who is said to have been kidnapped by the pirates. It is said that the two injured crew have been taken to a hospital in Gabon for treatment and surgery. The families of the crew alleged that the persons on board are uncertain about their safety and security as the shipping company (Proactive Ship Management Pvt Ltd) is not keen on ensuring the safety of the crew members. When contacted, a representative of the shipping company told Zee News, “Our priority is to look after the crew.” The representative also said that a statement would be issued later. (This is a developing story and will be updated)

Pirates attack Indian merchant ship off African coast, 2 injured, 1 kidnapped

In an embarrassing incident that took place in Kerala’s capital, locals and head-load workers blocked a crucial piece of high-tech, heavy equipment that was being transported for the Indian Space Research Organization. The consignment weighing nearly 180tons was being carried on a special heavy-cargo haulier truck and moving towards ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram when the incident occurred.&nbsp;

VSSC is India’s lead centre for the development of rockets and related technologies. It is named after the Father of the Indian Space Programme.&nbsp;

Despite the high COVID-19 cases in Kerala and the lockdown restrictions, locals and people affiliated with the political trade unions had gathered in large numbers around the truck and created a ruckus.&nbsp;

Unmindful of the fact that ISRO’s cargo was being wheeled in with special security, the locals halted the vehicle’s movement for nearly two hours.&nbsp;

In Kerala, the locals and workers unscrupulously demand unreasonable charges for unloading any cargo that is brought into their locality.&nbsp;

Even if the owners of the cargo off-load it by themselves, the head-load workers demand exorbitant money.&nbsp;

In Malayalam, this practice is known as ‘Nokku Kooli’, it loosely translates to gawking fees or gawking charges.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-over-38000-covid-19-cases-lowest-daily-fatalities-in-167-days-411079">Also read |&nbsp;India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days</a>

It means that the workers will stand and stare, while the hapless people work and also shell out money to the workers.&nbsp;The workers consider that this unfair practice is their absolute right.

Zee Media has understood that the locals and workers (who possessed no equipment and had nil expertise) wanted to unload the 180-ton cargo, demanded anywhere between Rs. 2000 per ton, which is upwards of Rs. 3.6lakhs.&nbsp; 
Some reports also say that the demand was as high as Rs.10lakhs.&nbsp;

The demand for money was made even after knowing that such a heavy cargo could only be unloaded using specialised equipment and cranes. The concerned cargo was a component of a new Trisonic wind tunnel equipment that ISRO is building at its facility.&nbsp;

A trisonic wind tunnel facility enables testing of aircraft and rocket prototypes at different speeds of airflow - subsonic, which is less than the speed of sound, transonic, which is close to the speed of sound, and supersonic, which is faster than the speed of sound.&nbsp;

Simply put, wind tunnels are large air tubes used to study how model aircrafts or rockets would actually fly.

It is learnt that this is, unfortunately, a routine issue in Kerala and in this case, the Police had to intervene after ISRO raised the matter seriously with the highest office in Kerala.&nbsp;

It was only after the police convinced the gathered people that the crowd dispersed and the cargo was let into ISRO, after a delay of nearly two hours.&nbsp;

The oversized cargo had arrived in Kollam, Kerala from Maharashtra via ship and it was being transported by a heavy-haulier truck to Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram.&nbsp;

There have been reports alleging that ISRO did not honour its promise of providing jobs to the local population.

This is despite having acquired land from there.

It is noteworthy that ISRO acquired land for VSSC, back in the 1960s. Zee Media has understood from ISRO sources that the space agency has been employing people from the locality, spanning three generations. Several contracts worth lakhs of

Rupees are also handed to the locals.&nbsp;

According to the Kerala High Court, the practice of ’Nokku-Kooli was damaging the image of Kerala and the Court called for its eradication. While the Kerala Government banned the practice in 2018, it is still rampant and ongoing.&nbsp;

Such practices have been adversely impacting the Southern India state’s capability to attract investments and help sustain small local businesses, despite the State Government’s tall claims of being “business-friendly”.

The greater irony and tragedy of this entire incident is that, it is this very Kerala and this very local population (of thumba) that gave up their coastal land and church to establish ISRO's Thumba equatorial rocket launching station (TERLS) in the early 1960s.

The sacrifice of that little hamlet consisting of fishermen has led to so much advancement in India's science and technology capabilities and space-faring prowess.

It is worthwhile to recall that India's space programme and indigenous space technology have saved countless lives of fishermen, sailors, and those living on the coast and beyond. ISRO has even made an ultra-portable device that helps fishermen send distress signals to satellites in order to receive immediate help and rescue.&nbsp;

It appears that a significant number of people who blocked ISRO's cargo and demanded money have not come across these lesser-known facts and chapters of India's history.

In an embarrassing incident that took place in Kerala’s capital, locals and head-load workers blocked a crucial piece of high-tech, heavy equipment that was being transported for the Indian Space Research Organization.

In an embarrassing incident that took place in Kerala’s capital, locals and head-load workers blocked a crucial piece of high-tech, heavy equipment that was being transported for the Indian Space Research Organization. The consignment weighing nearly 180tons was being carried on a special heavy-cargo haulier truck and moving towards ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram when the incident occurred. VSSC is India’s lead centre for the development of rockets and related technologies. It is named after the Father of the Indian Space Programme. Despite the high COVID-19 cases in Kerala and the lockdown restrictions, locals and people affiliated with the political trade unions had gathered in large numbers around the truck and created a ruckus. Unmindful of the fact that ISRO’s cargo was being wheeled in with special security, the locals halted the vehicle’s movement for nearly two hours. In Kerala, the locals and workers unscrupulously demand unreasonable charges for unloading any cargo that is brought into their locality. Even if the owners of the cargo off-load it by themselves, the head-load workers demand exorbitant money. In Malayalam, this practice is known as ‘Nokku Kooli’, it loosely translates to gawking fees or gawking charges. Also read | India reports over 38,000 COVID-19 cases; lowest daily fatalities in 167 days It means that the workers will stand and stare, while the hapless people work and also shell out money to the workers. The workers consider that this unfair practice is their absolute right. Zee Media has understood that the locals and workers (who possessed no equipment and had nil expertise) wanted to unload the 180-ton cargo, demanded anywhere between Rs. 2000 per ton, which is upwards of Rs. 3.6lakhs. Some reports also say that the demand was as high as Rs.10lakhs. The demand for money was made even after knowing that such a heavy cargo could only be unloaded using specialised equipment and cranes. The concerned cargo was a component of a new Trisonic wind tunnel equipment that ISRO is building at its facility. A trisonic wind tunnel facility enables testing of aircraft and rocket prototypes at different speeds of airflow - subsonic, which is less than the speed of sound, transonic, which is close to the speed of sound, and supersonic, which is faster than the speed of sound. Simply put, wind tunnels are large air tubes used to study how model aircrafts or rockets would actually fly. It is learnt that this is, unfortunately, a routine issue in Kerala and in this case, the Police had to intervene after ISRO raised the matter seriously with the highest office in Kerala. It was only after the police convinced the gathered people that the crowd dispersed and the cargo was let into ISRO, after a delay of nearly two hours. The oversized cargo had arrived in Kollam, Kerala from Maharashtra via ship and it was being transported by a heavy-haulier truck to Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram. There have been reports alleging that ISRO did not honour its promise of providing jobs to the local population. This is despite having acquired land from there. It is noteworthy that ISRO acquired land for VSSC, back in the 1960s. Zee Media has understood from ISRO sources that the space agency has been employing people from the locality, spanning three generations. Several contracts worth lakhs of Rupees are also handed to the locals. According to the Kerala High Court, the practice of ’Nokku-Kooli was damaging the image of Kerala and the Court called for its eradication. While the Kerala Government banned the practice in 2018, it is still rampant and ongoing. Such practices have been adversely impacting the Southern India state’s capability to attract investments and help sustain small local businesses, despite the State Government’s tall claims of being “business-friendly”. The greater irony and tragedy of this entire incident is that, it is this very Kerala and this very local population (of thumba) that gave up their coastal land and church to establish ISRO's Thumba equatorial rocket launching station (TERLS) in the early 1960s. The sacrifice of that little hamlet consisting of fishermen has led to so much advancement in India's science and technology capabilities and space-faring prowess. It is worthwhile to recall that India's space programme and indigenous space technology have saved countless lives of fishermen, sailors, and those living on the coast and beyond. ISRO has even made an ultra-portable device that helps fishermen send distress signals to satellites in order to receive immediate help and rescue. It appears that a significant number of people who blocked ISRO's cargo and demanded money have not come across these lesser-known facts and chapters of India's history.

Head-load workers and locals block ISRO’s cargo and demand money for unloading

A video showing a large flock of white-rumped vultures feasting on the carcass of a spotted deer&nbsp;at a restricted location in&nbsp;the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve has enthused wildlife enthusiasts and conservators alike.

According to forest officials, the&nbsp;sighting of a large flock of critically endangered vultures(scavengers) indicates not only the increasing vulture population&nbsp;but is also a sign of a significant Tiger (predator) population, both of which are said to be the result&nbsp;of successful conservation efforts.

Officials suspect that the deer kill was by a tiger in the region. They believe that&nbsp;had the deer been hunted by a leopard it would have&nbsp;taken the carcass atop a tree branch. Tree branches are unreachable spots for wide-winged vultures&nbsp;that often perch only on treetops.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Video from restricted area of <a href="https://twitter.com/MudumalaiTR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MudumalaiTR</a> : 
 
Flock of rare,critically endangered white-rumped vultures feasting on a deer carcass... Officials say it's a positive sign that indicates healthy vulture (scavenger)population and carnivore activity <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wildlife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wildlife</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://t.co/iS5eK3CxOL">pic.twitter.com/iS5eK3CxOL</a>
— Sidharth M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1434802906645995520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Likewise, in the case of a pack of wild dogs or dholes hunting an animal, only the bones would remain. However, the carcass being left behind for the vultures to feed&nbsp;indicates the hunting style of the tigers&nbsp;that often involves leaving the kill behind.&nbsp;

As per the latest 2019-20 census for the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve,&nbsp;there are seven&nbsp;long-billed vultures, two&nbsp;Egyptian vultures and 125 white-rumped vultures.

The abundant availability of feed for scavengers such as vultures&nbsp;is said to be an ample indicator of a healthy predator(carnivore) population and an overall conducive ecosystem.

In the 1980s, the white-jumped vulture was abundantly spotted across South and South East&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;when their global population was in millions. However, their numbers fell sharply and recent estimates point out that there are just a little over 10,000 such mature birds around the world.

According to reports, a major reason for the vulture population in the South Asia region has been the widespread use of the drug ‘Diclofenac’&nbsp;for the treatment of common ailments, pain, wounds in cattle and swine.

Vultures that feed on carcasses that contain traces of the drug&nbsp;die of kidney failure as their blood crystallises around the organs. Despite the ban on the drug in the country since 2006, it is reportedly in use across parts of India. In certain cases, the carcasses that are purposefully laced with poison to kill tigers&nbsp;end up claiming the lives of vultures as well.

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Diclofenac is not alone in indirectly claiming vulture lives,&nbsp;other unsafe drugs like Aceclofenac, Ketoprofen and Nimesulide also are regarded as dangerous and&nbsp;toxic for vultures.&nbsp;

A video showing a large flock of white-rumped vultures feasting on the carcass of a spotted deer at a restricted location in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve has enthused wildlife enthusiasts and conservators alike.

A video showing a large flock of white-rumped vultures feasting on the carcass of a spotted deer at a restricted location in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve has enthused wildlife enthusiasts and conservators alike. According to forest officials, the sighting of a large flock of critically endangered vultures(scavengers) indicates not only the increasing vulture population but is also a sign of a significant Tiger (predator) population, both of which are said to be the result of successful conservation efforts. Officials suspect that the deer kill was by a tiger in the region. They believe that had the deer been hunted by a leopard it would have taken the carcass atop a tree branch. Tree branches are unreachable spots for wide-winged vultures that often perch only on treetops. Video from restricted area of @MudumalaiTR : Flock of rare,critically endangered white-rumped vultures feasting on a deer carcass... Officials say it's a positive sign that indicates healthy vulture (scavenger)population and carnivore activity #wildlife #TamilNadu #India pic.twitter.com/iS5eK3CxOL — Sidharth M.P (@sdhrthmp) September 6, 2021 × Likewise, in the case of a pack of wild dogs or dholes hunting an animal, only the bones would remain. However, the carcass being left behind for the vultures to feed indicates the hunting style of the tigers that often involves leaving the kill behind. As per the latest 2019-20 census for the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, there are seven long-billed vultures, two Egyptian vultures and 125 white-rumped vultures. The abundant availability of feed for scavengers such as vultures is said to be an ample indicator of a healthy predator(carnivore) population and an overall conducive ecosystem. In the 1980s, the white-jumped vulture was abundantly spotted across South and South East Asia when their global population was in millions. However, their numbers fell sharply and recent estimates point out that there are just a little over 10,000 such mature birds around the world. According to reports, a major reason for the vulture population in the South Asia region has been the widespread use of the drug ‘Diclofenac’ for the treatment of common ailments, pain, wounds in cattle and swine. Vultures that feed on carcasses that contain traces of the drug die of kidney failure as their blood crystallises around the organs. Despite the ban on the drug in the country since 2006, it is reportedly in use across parts of India. In certain cases, the carcasses that are purposefully laced with poison to kill tigers end up claiming the lives of vultures as well. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Diclofenac is not alone in indirectly claiming vulture lives, other unsafe drugs like Aceclofenac, Ketoprofen and Nimesulide also are regarded as dangerous and toxic for vultures.

Flock of critically endangered vultures feed on deer carcass at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sidharth MP

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